Preview — Rape
by Joyce Carol Oates

Rape: A Love Story

Teena Maguire should not have tried to shortcut her way home that Fourth of July. Not after midnight, not through Rocky Point Park. Not the way she was dressed in a tank top, denim cutoffs, and high-heeled sandals. Not with her twelve-year-old daughter Bethie. Not with packs of local guys running loose on hormones, rage, and alcohol. A victim of gang rape, left for dead inTeena Maguire should not have tried to shortcut her way home that Fourth of July. Not after midnight, not through Rocky Point Park. Not the way she was dressed in a tank top, denim cutoffs, and high-heeled sandals. Not with her twelve-year-old daughter Bethie. Not with packs of local guys running loose on hormones, rage, and alcohol. A victim of gang rape, left for dead in the park boathouse, the once vivacious Teena can now only regret that she has survived. At a relentlessly compelling pace punctuated by lonely cries in the night and the whisper of terror in the afternoon, Joyce Carol Oates unfolds the story of Teena and Bethie, their assailants, and their unexpected, silent champion, a man who knows the meaning of justice. And love....more

KathleenI thought the love story referred to the fact that love -- between Dromoor and Teena, Dromoor and Bethie, Teena and Bethie, Bethie and the…moreI thought the love story referred to the fact that love -- between Dromoor and Teena, Dromoor and Bethie, Teena and Bethie, Bethie and the grandmother, or Teena and her mother -- could face down the hatred of the crime and its aftermath.(less)

Community Reviews

This is an ugly book, filled with nothing but filth and darkness. It takes your view of humanity, throws it to the ground and administers a few sound kicks to it, till it is bleeding and crying out.

Hate is a strong word, but I hated the story, the characters and practically the entire book. I hate the fact that I live in a world where this isn't fiction, but the true story of thousands of 'Teena's and 'Bethie's each day.

I hate the fact that people find it ok to label rape as 'unfortunate' or 'saThis is an ugly book, filled with nothing but filth and darkness. It takes your view of humanity, throws it to the ground and administers a few sound kicks to it, till it is bleeding and crying out.

Hate is a strong word, but I hated the story, the characters and practically the entire book. I hate the fact that I live in a world where this isn't fiction, but the true story of thousands of 'Teena's and 'Bethie's each day.

I hate the fact that people find it ok to label rape as 'unfortunate' or 'sad'. A slip on a staircase and breaking your fucking neck is unfortunate or sad. Rape is nothing but a depraved act of abject cowardice.

Joyce Carol Oates tells a deeply disturbing story that disgusts you but fascinates you nevertheless with its sheer brutality. There is no redemption, no magic wand that gets waved to 'put it past you and move on'. She narrates a story of despair, loss, and trauma. There is no escape.

The title is somewhat misleading and it would be a major spoiler to discuss why.

Brilliant book, by the way. Sounds contradictory, but loathsome story, brilliant book. This is a story that leaves a terrible taste in the mouth, and makes you wonder how some so-called humans can be so dehumanized. It makes you question the humanity of all those who ask questions like, "But what was she wearing?" or "Why was she out so late?"

It is brutal, horrifying and extremely well-written. Read it, but no guaranteeing if you'll be able to sleep well after that. Or keep your meal down. So, can't say I 'really liked it' but it definitely led to some strong emotions....more

This is the story of a mother and daughter who were in the wrong place at the wrong time and encounter the wrong/most vile persons. The story of what that woman becomes after being Raped, people just talk about her or recall her of think of her about ‘after the incident’, the before no longer exists.

“Suspects,” they were called. As if they hadn’t done what they’d done to you and your mother but were only “suspected” of doing it!

What was most disturbing was4 ‘I say CASTRATE the Rapists’ Stars

This is the story of a mother and daughter who were in the wrong place at the wrong time and encounter the wrong/most vile persons. The story of what that woman becomes after being Raped, people just talk about her or recall her of think of her about ‘after the incident’, the before no longer exists.

“Suspects,” they were called. As if they hadn’t done what they’d done to you and your mother but were only “suspected” of doing it!

What was most disturbing was the daughter’s part was narrated in second person. Imagine you are a young daughter and you witness the rape of your mother. The frustration, the stare of people, the nagging of friends, the dirty notes stuck on the door… And what about the townspeople, whose side do they take? Why do people always side with the wrong party, just because they are men?

Yes she might’ve smiled at them, and so she was asking for it

And what about the lawyer. Is it only about money, a woman’s body/dignity/sanity/her tattered soul? What?

Their dad was the one taking this hardest. He was sure looking sorry. Their mom was an excitable loyal mom who refused to believe any of this could be serious, that felony crap the prosecutors were threatening. Her word against theirs their mom said. And that woman a drunk and a whore. (Rapists family reaction)...more

It's shocking and almost unforgiving that I have been on this earth for 30 years and have never read Joyce Carol Oates. Reading her entire cannon will soon become my latest addiction in 2009. So how do I review this novel? (note : I am writing this review after already having read 'Zombie' a few days ago). First of all, Joyce C Oates, where have you been all my life? And to my literary friends : Why did nobody tell me about the lyricism, harshness, brilliant POV changes, and upsetting yet beautiIt's shocking and almost unforgiving that I have been on this earth for 30 years and have never read Joyce Carol Oates. Reading her entire cannon will soon become my latest addiction in 2009. So how do I review this novel? (note : I am writing this review after already having read 'Zombie' a few days ago). First of all, Joyce C Oates, where have you been all my life? And to my literary friends : Why did nobody tell me about the lyricism, harshness, brilliant POV changes, and upsetting yet beautiful prose? How dare you make me wait so long to discover this author!!!

It seems almost uncouth that I am saying these things while reviewing a novel titled 'Rape : A Love Story'. But that is exactly what it is. A brutal, disgusting, nauseating, angering crime, followed by a non existent trial (as Oates makes clear -- why bother). But yet -- in a disturbing but also innocent way (only could this have worked from Oates' second person POV of the young Bethie) -- it's a love story. Maybe a love story that should send second person narrative Bethie to therapy for the rest of her life. But the way Oates has concisely and sharply pointed her narrative like a sharp dagger (or worse) and then mixed the story with illegal justice and innocent motives, makes this novel disturbing, stunning and bitter sweet.

Excellent story! Although set in the 1990s, some of the language used seemed to be of either a different era or different place. It was set in the Niagara Falls/Buffalo area, so I would not think of some of the terms used in today's America. That being said, I found it to be well written in a style I cannot quite recall ever reading.It was a very quick read and I would definitely recommend.

I have a love/hate relationship with JCO. She is a brilliant writer and I admire her. Sometimes I am blown away by the intensity and chilling insight of her books and sometimes I find them unnecessarily cruel, mean and overly dramatic.

Now, don't get me wrong, she can write in any genre with skill. It's amazing. As a matter of fact, in one short story collection she wrote a brilliant and complete short story in one page. She is an eccentric individual and her choices reflect that.

The title of thI have a love/hate relationship with JCO. She is a brilliant writer and I admire her. Sometimes I am blown away by the intensity and chilling insight of her books and sometimes I find them unnecessarily cruel, mean and overly dramatic.

Now, don't get me wrong, she can write in any genre with skill. It's amazing. As a matter of fact, in one short story collection she wrote a brilliant and complete short story in one page. She is an eccentric individual and her choices reflect that.

The title of this book grabbed me, of course, Putting the words rape and love story in the same title seems impossible to me.

However, this very short book is packed with terror and panic and surprises and heartache and a demolishing critique of the "justice" system. Strangely enough, it is also about love in a most surprising way.

I hate everything it shows. I hate more or less every single event in it. I hate how degenerated some characters become. I hate how much this book is needed.

I absolutely hate that this behavior is found in our reality.

Something else?

I love this book.

Most of all, I like the humanizing of the events. Oates pulls the story of a gang-rape and its aftermath off, however this is possible when this is such an unspeakable crime. For over a day I'Am I allowed to say I love this while I honestly hate it?

I hate everything it shows. I hate more or less every single event in it. I hate how degenerated some characters become. I hate how much this book is needed.

I absolutely hate that this behavior is found in our reality.

Something else?

I love this book.

Most of all, I like the humanizing of the events. Oates pulls the story of a gang-rape and its aftermath off, however this is possible when this is such an unspeakable crime. For over a day I've been trying to understand why I can even remotely like this book when I was disgusted while reading it. And now I understand. Because I will hate every event if I re-read this, but I will simultaneously feel the honesty in every word. Feel this brutal truth seep through the pages of a mother who's free will is taken away, and the story of a daughter who lives in the aftermath of the abuse done to her mother.

I do not love this book because it's a sweet story, or has a happy ending, or anything like this. I love it because it's the truth. No sugarcoating. No glitter at the edges. No soothing words. It's the truth. It's reality. It's what people must understand is happening to victims of rape in any form. I love it because of this brutal honesty that few authors can pull off. I love it because some authors are ready to show this crime. I love it because it says what needs to be said.

Just as the reasons for my adoration for the author writing this story, I hate that it needs to be written.

The title Rape: A Love Story is both accurate and not. This is not a book for those looking for romance for none of this exists within these pages. The love is between child and mother. Of struggling through the world when it turns against you with your family standing next to you. It's about doing what you have to do to survive, make it through.

Despite the title, I love this. As I said, I love how the author puts an honest, brutal, humanized presentation on the subject. But I will hate the story all the same. I love the book, not the story....more

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.Reading this book was a bizarre experience for me, affected primarily by the summary on the dustjacket that offered its own, rather narrow interpretation of a story that should be left open to broad speculation.

Oates's writing is fluid and her selection of details is as mundane and powerful as a Cézanne platter of fruit. Her decision to describe different scenes from different characters' perspectives also contributed well to the story. The rape scene and the ensuing trial are deftly portrayedReading this book was a bizarre experience for me, affected primarily by the summary on the dustjacket that offered its own, rather narrow interpretation of a story that should be left open to broad speculation.

Oates's writing is fluid and her selection of details is as mundane and powerful as a Cézanne platter of fruit. Her decision to describe different scenes from different characters' perspectives also contributed well to the story. The rape scene and the ensuing trial are deftly portrayed as horrific, harrowing events no person deserves to endure. I felt my hands tense with rage as the perpetrators were protected by the inane bureaucracy of the law and the victim's reputation was publicly attacked almost as brutally as her own body. As I turned the pages, I needed to put that rage somewhere.

However, the stealthy, vigilante approach to justice acted out by the newcomer cop was not the outlet I had been craving. His execution of each of the young men, one by one, escalating from unpremeditated murder to a brutal slaughter was almost as harrowing as the rape scene. The dustjacket declared him the victims' "champion - a man who understands justice. And love." That left me with an utterly sickly feeling and I can't help but hope that was not Oates's intended interpretation, though the fact that the victim can move on to a happy, well-deserved ending once the last murder has taken place is disturbingly supportive of the idea. The rape victim may have taken off on a romantic road trip with her newfound love, but I'm still stuck in the desert where justice is nowhere to be found.

Joyce Carol Oates seems to channel all of the things I was ever scared of between the ages of 12-14, humanize them, and make them strangely pitiful and believable and still terrible. The fact that this book is set in a very nostalgic landscape for me makes this book all the more terrifying and poignant, even if it is a kind of mundane and melodramatic kind of terror.

I often feel that JCO writes for a very narrow and specific demographic that I'm part of, but don't know the perimeters of?

She exJoyce Carol Oates seems to channel all of the things I was ever scared of between the ages of 12-14, humanize them, and make them strangely pitiful and believable and still terrible. The fact that this book is set in a very nostalgic landscape for me makes this book all the more terrifying and poignant, even if it is a kind of mundane and melodramatic kind of terror.

I often feel that JCO writes for a very narrow and specific demographic that I'm part of, but don't know the perimeters of?

She excels, I think, at creating a believable, if wholly fictional, internal narrative of a villian, without detracting from the evilness of his actions. ...more

*TRIGGER WARNING*I didnt expect to read this story. I had never heard of it or the author. I was having a long, sweaty day and popped into the library to kill some time before catching the bus home. In fact, I almost walked right past it. But a word jumped out at me from a black and white cover:rape. My feminist bells are ringing. Is that a cover of black and white hearts? Is that a story titled Rape:a love story? So it only takes me a second to double take and backtrack. I pick up this small bo*TRIGGER WARNING*I didnt expect to read this story. I had never heard of it or the author. I was having a long, sweaty day and popped into the library to kill some time before catching the bus home. In fact, I almost walked right past it. But a word jumped out at me from a black and white cover:rape. My feminist bells are ringing. Is that a cover of black and white hearts? Is that a story titled Rape:a love story? So it only takes me a second to double take and backtrack. I pick up this small book with rape on the cover and begin to read. And I'm hooked. I miss 2 more buses just to sit there and finish this story. It's brutal and I tear up. As a feminist ive read hundreds of articles on rape culture, on survivors being arrested and forced to testify, of teenage girls being accused of being too mature and seductive. Ive read the articles about the failures of universities in addressing rape on campus, of the statistics of sexual assault in the military, of women being gang raped and end up comatose in hospital, eventually slipping away. Ive seen the pie - charts, the lines of statistics. 1 in 5 women. I know about the injustice of the courts. Despite all this, this small, obscure story hits right fucking home. The brutality. The inhumanity. The injustice. The alienation. I am right there with Teena and Beth as Teena is brutalized and left to die.I can see the 12 year old in my mind with a dislocated arm and hearing the screams of her mother. They talk about how she deserved it. They talk about her clothes. How she was asking for it. Shes in court and her attackers are right there, while there is only one other woman in this court. And they accuse her of being a hooker, of the rape being consensual. They attempt to sully her name, her sexual history. The injustice and horror of it is like a bitter taste in my mouth, and a sickening in my stomach. Teena is shattered and betrayed by a system designed to protect her and bring her justice, and she is re traumatized. The girl watches on as her mother falls apart.The final justices that the rapists meet is like sick wish fulfillment for the reader; revenge, vigilante justice. The ending shows that these women are not victims, but survivors. They dont forget, but they can live happy fulfilling lives away from an event they felt defined them. Rape:a love story is a social commentary. It is a critique of rape culture, of the way we treat women, of the way we fail survivors, of the way they are humiliated, traumatized and beaten down. What the fuck is wrong with us?

* as a note, I think it would be legitimate criticism to say that this book doesn't address the fact that most rapes are committed by people the survivors know and even trust, as well as the fact that many rapes are not this clearly violent and brutal...more

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.Powerful story told in something of a rush. Joyce Carol Oates shares John Updike's tendency to churn out books at a prolific pace (at least one novel a year, typically, plus a barrage of cultural criticism), often at the expense of the book itself.

Provocative title, no? This is a love story, though -- the love between a mother and a daughter, both of whom suffer a vicious attack from a dog-like pack of 4th of July revelers; vicious young men methed-out, drunk, and on the prowl. Also the love ofPowerful story told in something of a rush. Joyce Carol Oates shares John Updike's tendency to churn out books at a prolific pace (at least one novel a year, typically, plus a barrage of cultural criticism), often at the expense of the book itself.

Provocative title, no? This is a love story, though -- the love between a mother and a daughter, both of whom suffer a vicious attack from a dog-like pack of 4th of July revelers; vicious young men methed-out, drunk, and on the prowl. Also the love of a man, a cop, for the two women; a (stereotypically) strong, silent type who exacts his own brand of justice -- the Dirty Harry kind -- on the rapists.

What Oates does extremely well is show the sociological ramifications of the rape -- a community in denial and a sham trial where a sleazy defense lawyer turns the tables on the victim and distorts facts to the point that she appears the instigator, not the sufferer, of her own attack. Oates describes the trial as almost another form of rape.

Oates stumbles at the level of character and psychology. This is where more time and more space might have helped. Though the book is a quick read (at 150 pages one could finish it in an afternoon), what it gains in intensity it loses in depth. Motivations are obscure, as well as certain plot twists (the voice on the other end a phone call late in the book could use some explaining).

Though a quick, interesting read, both the author and its subject are worthier of more carefully considered attention.

A chilling, haunting reminder of the evil that humans are capable of, the author describes the brutality of the rape and terror beyond what we are capable of imagining on our own. The second attack from the community slandering the victims is almost more disgusting, being from a small town full of small minds I could visualize it full-force. “She asked for it” I understand that no rape story has a “happy ending” but Joyce Carol Oates delivers us the best possible conclusion.

Earlier this year i rA chilling, haunting reminder of the evil that humans are capable of, the author describes the brutality of the rape and terror beyond what we are capable of imagining on our own. The second attack from the community slandering the victims is almost more disgusting, being from a small town full of small minds I could visualize it full-force. “She asked for it” I understand that no rape story has a “happy ending” but Joyce Carol Oates delivers us the best possible conclusion.

Earlier this year i read, on recomendation of a friend, a book about rape and revenge by Fern Michaels. The whole time I reading it, I didn’t feel that the author had any REAL concept of rape or revenge. It was almost a humorous story, I felt offended by it’s light treatment and lack of depth. In contrast, Oates’ “Rape: a Love Story” is disturbing, sickening, and vivid, it provokes feelings that one SHOULD have when this subject is approached.

Also notable is the writing style Oates has used in this novella, putting you in the character’s shoes. She addresses you as the 12 year old daughter who was present at her mother’s assault, she forces you to feel from every perspective. This is a short novella, easily readable in one sitting, a story you will never ever forget....more

Joyce Carol Oates is not in the habit of pulling her punches. She might be the only writer in the history of the world both willing and able to name a book "Rape." She's a powerful author, and I'm a big fan.

This wasn't my favorite of her books. What's it all about? Fury, right? I mean, and rape. It's definitely about rape. Nothing else happens. It's short. The personalities and histories of the people in it are briefly sketched out. Mostly, there's a rape and then there's the aftermath of the raJoyce Carol Oates is not in the habit of pulling her punches. She might be the only writer in the history of the world both willing and able to name a book "Rape." She's a powerful author, and I'm a big fan.

This wasn't my favorite of her books. What's it all about? Fury, right? I mean, and rape. It's definitely about rape. Nothing else happens. It's short. The personalities and histories of the people in it are briefly sketched out. Mostly, there's a rape and then there's the aftermath of the rape and then it's over. The rape is unambiguous. It's about as awful as it can be. The plot is similar to the Jodi Foster movie The Accused. That movie was made in 1988, and this book was published in 2003, and it feels a little dated. Aren't we past victim blaming? Surely no one in this day and age would...oh.Nevermind.

Oates has picked a weird avatar for justice. (view spoiler)[This is John Dromoor, a sociopathic veteran. Oates carefully introduces him as a dangerous man. You might assume at first that he's a bad guy. He is a bad guy, as in a not good person. But after the courts fail Teena Maguire, he takes justice into his own hands, carefully murdering four of the men who raped her. You might sortof expect justice to be female, right? (hide spoiler)] I'm not sure what Oates is trying to tell us here. I don't have a problem with it - it's interesting - just don't know what to make of it.

There's a subtitle here, "A Love Story," and I have no idea what to make of that either. It's not a love story. There is love, I guess - (view spoiler)[Teena's 12-year-old daughter Beth has some sort of puppy love crush on Dromoor, which again fills you with dread but nothing comes of it, thank god because you've just about taken all the bad news you can get from this book (hide spoiler)] - but no story about it. It's a rape story. It's upsetting....more

What first drew me to this book was of course, the title. And it wasn't until the end of the story that I realized what the 'love story' in the title was referring to. But the story was so completely harrowing right from the first sentence that I didn't really have time to wonder about the title while reading it. The novel is an all too real depiction of a brutal gang rape and its aftermath. Reading it was tough; Oates' sparse prose really wrenches your heart at times, making you cringe and cryWhat first drew me to this book was of course, the title. And it wasn't until the end of the story that I realized what the 'love story' in the title was referring to. But the story was so completely harrowing right from the first sentence that I didn't really have time to wonder about the title while reading it. The novel is an all too real depiction of a brutal gang rape and its aftermath. Reading it was tough; Oates' sparse prose really wrenches your heart at times, making you cringe and cry at times. I could actually smell and feel the fear felt by Teena Maguire, the victim, when the rape was about to take place, and I couldn't help but be moved by Bethie, her daughter's gently desperate, unspoken plea for help to Dromoor, the detective assigned to the case and the only person in the town they live who seems to be on their side, the person Bethie instinctively reaches out to while caring for increasingly withdrawn mother. The revenge exacted on the rapists is truly satisfying - I'm not sure how appropriate it is to say that a story of rape has a 'happy' ending, but that's what it felt like, at least. A terrific read - a tough one, but one of those rare books whose words stay with you for a long, long time....more

First, I don't think the book ever justified its intentionally controversial title. Second, although parts felt very genuine and terribly realistic, other parts felt like trite stereotypes. Third, inevitably, a novella does not have the space to fully develop each character, but I was still disappointed by the surface treatment of the characters I really wanted to learn more about: the mother, daughter, and grandmother. Fourth, I was really disappointed in the choiceThis was difficult to rate.

First, I don't think the book ever justified its intentionally controversial title. Second, although parts felt very genuine and terribly realistic, other parts felt like trite stereotypes. Third, inevitably, a novella does not have the space to fully develop each character, but I was still disappointed by the surface treatment of the characters I really wanted to learn more about: the mother, daughter, and grandmother. Fourth, I was really disappointed in the choice of character for the female prosecutor, and I didn't like the way the book set up one man as a rescuer and left all the women broken or inept or disconnected from each other. At the same time, it was certainly a gripping read.

(Spoiler alert here, but I tried to keep it vague) I did find the choice of morally-questionable-yet-satisfyingly-retributive resolution interesting and I liked the fairy-tale aspect to it....more

Joyce Carol Oates is a recipient of the National Book Award and the PEN/Malamud Award for Excellence in Short Fiction. She is also the recipient of the 2005 Prix Femina for The Falls. She is the Roger S. Berlind Distinguished Professor of the Humanities at Princeton University, and she has been a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters since 1978. Pseudonyms ... Rosamond Smith and LaureJoyce Carol Oates is a recipient of the National Book Award and the PEN/Malamud Award for Excellence in Short Fiction. She is also the recipient of the 2005 Prix Femina for The Falls. She is the Roger S. Berlind Distinguished Professor of the Humanities at Princeton University, and she has been a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters since 1978. Pseudonyms ... Rosamond Smith and Lauren Kelly....more